Ask A Minnesota Expert: Fashion-Forward Thinking For Spring 2016
After a long winter, most Minnesotan's can't wait for spring so they can shed the weighty coats and perk up their wardrobe for the new season. While this task can be exciting, it can also be daunting. What is the best way to transition without a full overhaul of all your threads? Take note of these fashion tips for spring 2016 from local style expert Rita Mehta.
Rita Mehta
The American Edit
Minneapolis, MN
www.theamericanedit.com
Mehta is the founder of The American Edit, a website focusing on American-made brands and products. She is also a consultant for e-commerce and brick and mortar shops, specializing in retail and product development. Mehta passionately seeks out responsibly-produced fashion that has no shortage of style, which makes her a great local expert to tap for spring wardrobe tips. "Spring in Minnesota is often fleeting," she says. "My best advice is to look at the season as an opportunity to refine your wardrobe as opposed to fully revamping it, the way you may do for fall & winter."
Clean Out Your Closet
Mehta recommends starting with a good cleaning out of your closet to refresh it for spring. "I recommend you do it twice a year," she says. "Ideally in March and in October, right when the weather starts to turn." After you've sorted through your items, bring ill-fitting pieces to the tailor to make sure they fit correctly and donate or resell the pieces that you no longer have a need for. Mehta says, "This will also give you some time to take stock of your wardrobe and get a better idea of what you really need to purchase."
Invest In Transitional Pieces
Spring can be so short that it often feels like Minnesotans go directly from winter coats and boots to shorts and sandals. This is the time to focus on buying transitional pieces that you can wear throughout the year. Mehta recommends lightweight coats such as Wilson & Willy's Olive Waxed Full-Zip Anorak for men or the Mille Veda Classic Motorcycle Jacket for women. She also suggests crew-neck T-shirts, new sneakers and a great pair of jeans. "I'm willing to invest in these pieces. The cost per wear makes it worth it," Mehta notes.
Layer
Layers for a Minnesota spring are imperative, and as Mehta states, "The temperature seems to change by the hour, and buildings can never seem to agree on the right time to switch from heating to air conditioning." She suggests shopping for items that are lightweight, such as the Askov Finlyason All-Time Moleskin Overshirt for men and the HDH Basics Kimono for women. "They should match the majority of your wardrobe so that you don't even have to think about it," says Mehta.
Try Something New
"Spring is a new beginning, so I think it's the perfect time to try something new, without falling too far into trends," states Mehta. "I'm eyeing some colorful dresses to offset all of the gray, black, and white I've been wearing lately, but you may also consider a new swimsuit for spring break or refreshing your favorite basics with options in new materials or colors." Mehta's top new picks for spring are the Wilson & Willy's Carver Shirt and Askov Finlayson Laker Swim Trunk for men. For the ladies, she suggests the Mille Rachel Comey Dress or swimwear from Hackwith Design House.
Shop Local
Mehta tries to buy American or Minnesota-made whenever she can, but says the best way to shop is to visit small businesses in your neighborhood. "This is where the inventory is often tailored to the Minnesota lifestyle — and weather! Get to know the owners and sales associates and tell them what you are looking for. They provide incredible service and these shops support the community as a whole." Local stores that Mehta recommends men check out include Wilson & Willy's, BlackBlue, Brightwater Clothing and Martin Patrick 3. For women, try shopping for spring at Grethen House, Parc Boutique, Bluebird Boutique, D.NOLO and Idun.
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young son and daughter, who are her partners-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
